A House committee is set to hear a resolution today that seeks to end the Governor’s stay at home order. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
_____________________________________
An LSU survey showcases how residents are handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”
___________________________________________
Since March 22nd over 400,000 Louisianans have received unemployment assistance from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the highest number ever recorded. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
____________________________________________
The House Governmental Affairs committee hears a resolution today that seeks to suspend the Governor’s public health emergency as it relates to the coronavirus. House Republican Caucus chairman and Erath Representative Blake Miguez says the objective is to put local leaders in control of reopening the economy.
Cut 4 (08)_ “…time.”
Miguez says he’s disappointed Governor Edwards extended the stay at home order to May 15th. He says the resolution will pressure Edwards to implement Phase One after the order ends.
Cut 5 (07) “…earlier.”
A legislative petition is circling that would also end the public health emergency, but many fear it would result in a substantial loss of federal funds. Miguez says this is different…
Cut 6 (03) “…funds”
Governor Edwards has labeled the effort “misguided” and does not believe the House and Senate will pass it…
Cut 7 (08) “…America”
_______________________________________
A Senate committee approves legislation that would give voters the opportunity to decide in November whether sports betting should be legal in Louisiana. A similar proposal failed last year after heated debate. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says it’s time to put this issue before the voters.
Cut 8 (11) “…works for Louisiana.”
The measure heads to the Senate floor for more consideration. If it receives legislative approval the proposition would appear on the November 3rd ballot. Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns…
Cut 9 (08) “…vote it down”
Henry says if a majority of voters in a parish vote for the proposition, then sports wagering could be permitted in that parish only after state laws regarding regulation and taxation are enacted…
Cut 10 (10) “…next session”
____________________________________
An LSU Public Policy Lab survey indicates half of respondents say they have never left their home during the outbreak for social gatherings, religious services or other reasons not in line with the stay at home order. Lab Director Dr. Michael Henderson says those age 65 and older were most strict about staying home, with nearly 60% compliance.
Cut 11 (09) “…are not aloud.”
Overall, 30% say they have left home once a week or less.
56% of the respondents say they attempt to stay six 6 feet away from others, but most residents choose not to wear a mask in public.
Cut 12 (10) “…leave the house.”
77% report anxiety related to health concerns and 76% report anxiety related to economic anxiety. Roughly three-quarters of respondents believe mitigation efforts should continue, but Henderson says that is likely to change as time progresses.
Cut 13 (11) “…continue those policies.”
____________________________________
The Louisiana Workforce Commission has paid over a billion dollars in unemployment payments since March 22nd. LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie says they’ve issued over 250 million dollars in state unemployment and over 840 million in federal dollars from the CARES Act to 400,000 Louisianans.
Cut 14 (11) “…87.”
LWC paid out 151 million dollars to 103,000 claimants in all of 2019.
The rate of new claims is declining and some businesses could re-open later this month. Dejoie says if you transition back to work from unemployment…
Cut 15 (10)“…due.”
If you’ve returned to your normal work schedule, discontinue filing for benefits.
Dejoie says in the next 30 days they’ll once again require unemployed workers to provide work search documentation to continue receiving benefits, but they understand not everyone can work right now…
Cut 16 (06) “play”